Turner Motorsports Disbands CASCAR Team

Turner Motorsports Inc. has announced that it will not be fielding an entry in the 2003 CASCAR Super Series after failing to replace long-time sponsor Blue Streak-Hygrade Motor Products. A press release dated December 22, 2002, announced that Blue Streak-Hygrade Motor Products were withdrawing from Canadian motorsports and as a result would not be returning as title sponsor.

“From the time of the announcement in late December by Blue Streak, we knew that it would be no small task to replace them,” stated Al Turner, team owner and driver. “We set a time limit of March 1 to try and accomplish that and unfortunately we have been unable to secure adequate sponsorship to allow us to continue. We have exhausted all of our options as far as being team owners. We considered becoming a car owner and putting funded drivers in our cars as well as running a limited schedule ourselves.

“But at the end of the day, in light of the current economic situation in motorsports, our only sensible option was to sell our entire fleet of Intrepids and motor program to another CASCAR team. It is no secret that to field a front running, high profile team, it takes a sizeable financial commitment,” Turner added.

“It has been difficult for us over the last month to make this decision as it affects not only us but also, a lot of people who have worked tirelessly for the success of this program,” stated Turner. “However we feel that it is the right decision for our family.”